Compaq Facility Reduces Injuries With New Management Practices

Nov. 2, 2001
The Compaq facility in Fremont, Calif., achieves OHSAS 18001 certification and reduces injuries by 30 percent.

The Compaq manufacturing facility in Fremont, Calif., has reduced injuries by 30 percent in the past eight months, the result of its participation in an international occupational health and safety standard - OHSAS 18001.

The standard requires Compaq to conduct an annual risk assessment, using it as a basis to set goals and then put policies and procedures into place to address those goals. It took Compaq six months to integrate OHSAS 18001 into its existing safety and health program. BSI Inc., a third-party registrar, audited the system and registered Compaq''s compliance to the standard.

Compliance with OHSAS 18001 "shows that Fremont is a responsible, world-class factory," said Graham Hall, site director for Fremont Demand Fulfillment. "And it says that we''re committed to continuously improving our processes for manufacturing quality systems; proactively managing our health and safety programs; and preventing adverse effects in the environment as a result of our business activities."

OHSAS 18001 is based on the principle of continuous improvement. By combining the standard with Compaq''s existing safety and health policies and procedures, the Fremont facility was able to maximize the quality of the system. Implementation of OHSAS 18001 has also clearly defined safety and health as the responsibility of everyone at the facility.

The site''s registration enhanced staff morale, said Clive Stallwood, who lead the BSI team that audited Compaq, because it provided "a visible commitment" to the 350 employees that the facility is taking their health and safety seriously.

by Sandy Smith

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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